[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HATCH (for himself and Mr. Leahy):
  S. 2143. A bill to amend chapter 45 of title 28, United States Code, 
to authorize the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Justice to 
accept voluntary services, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
the Judiciary.


                  supreme court volunteer legislation

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, year after year, millions of people flock 
to Washington D.C. to visit the seat of American government. They come 
from every state of the union and most of the nations of the Earth to 
view for themselves the workings of the oldest democracy in the world. 
This city, through its historic edifices, tells the story of our 
nation. I am grateful for the thousands of professionals and volunteers 
who help to share that story with all who come to hear it.
  Over one million of these visitors come to the Supreme Court Building 
each year. They come to see, experience, and learn about the workings 
of American justice. Meeting this large demand can be taxing on the 
resources of the Court. To satisfy this need, without adding an undue 
burden to the budget, the Court has asked Congress to enact legislation 
permitting volunteers from the Supreme Court Historical Society to 
conduct public tours of the Supreme Court building.
  This legislation will provide the Court with the same benefits that 
have recently been extended to the Congress. Currently, 35 volunteers 
from the Capitol Guide Service assist Capitol visitors by providing 
historical perspective and insight. I have been told by the Capitol 
Guide Service that the influx of volunteers, allowed by legislation in 
the 104th Congress, enabled them to increase the volume of their tours 
of the Capitol by approximately twenty-five percent. Moreover, it 
provided the personnel necessary to expand their service to the 
exterior of the Capitol. Guides positioned outside the Capitol help 
direct visitors and provide information about the historic external 
architecture of this building. The use of volunteers has improved the 
experience of citizens visiting the Capitol grounds.
  The proposed legislation, like that covering congressional 
volunteers, will have no adverse fiscal impact, nor will it displace 
any Supreme Court employees. The legislation will, however, 
dramatically improve the ability of the Supreme Court to educate the 
public about this distinctly American institution.
  I believe that upon passage of this legislation, all Americans who 
visit our seat of Justice will appreciate the expanded services made 
available by its enactment.
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